72 N. Water St.
New Bedford, MA 02740
508-997-1294 (Candleworks Rest.)
Originally built by Samuel Rodman around 1810 as a factory, this building housed one of the first
spermacetti candle making operations in New Bedford. Spermacetti candles were made from
whale oil and provided a high-quality, long lasting light source.
The building is constructed of large wood beams and two-foot thick walls of granite rubble. The
stucco exterior provides the illusion of granite block contruction. The building was damaged in a
1960 fire and was abandoned for many years. In 1976, a private group, the Candleworks
Associates, bought the building and restored it.
The building now houses private offices and an upscale restaurant.
